World football governing body recognises such a move would cause significant inconvenience and disruption to other countries and broadcasters
Fifa cannot agree to Iran’s suggestions of relocating the country’s fixtures at the 2026 World Cup from the US to Mexico.
Iran are currently scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and another in Seattle, but doubts have risen over whether the country can participate in football’s biggest tournament following the outbreak of war against the US and Israel.
Iran’s sports minister has said that “under no circumstances” will the country play in the tournament. Donald Trump also said that it was not “appropriate” for Iran to travel to the US to play in the tournament and that the “life and safety” of Iranian players could be at risk.
The Iranian football federation responded by announcing they were in talks with Fifa over a potential switch of their matches from the US to Mexico. However, Fifa has little appetite for changing the already established schedule.
“Fifa is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the Fifa World Cup 2026,” world football governing body said in a statement. “Fifa is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced.”
The problem with Iran requesting changes is that any late alterations to the schedule would create significant disruption to the tournament. Match tickets have already been sold, people in different countries have made their arrangements, and broadcast agreements and sponsorship deals have been organised around the fixed venues across the three host countries.
Fifa may not make a final decision on the matter until its annual congress in Vancouver on 30 April.
